Eating is one of our most basic biological needs. It shouldn’t be complicated. Unfortunately, however, what we put in our mouths has become a topic of diverse opinions and extreme confusion. If you can filter out the myriad of compelling voices, from the commercials that push sugar and fat like drugs, to the quackery so prevalent on the internet, you will find that there is a steady voice of reason that always speaks the same truth.
Eliminate the Junk
Isn’t it interesting that, when it comes to food, no one needs junk defined for them. Everyone knows that highly processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat are not healthy. You could show a donut and an apple to 100 people and 100 of them would tell you which is healthy and which is junk. While identifying junk food is a cinch, eliminating them is not so easy. Because junk food triggers the reward center of our brain so quickly, we have been programmed to want more and more of it. Unfortunately, with an unlimited supply of unhealthy foods at our fingertips, it can feel impossible to kick the habit. However, if you can stop eating junk food for just a few weeks, you will lose the cravings for it.
Eat More Diverse Foods
It is easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to our diets. However, when you branch out and eat a variety of foods every day, you are better able to get the micronutrients that your body needs to thrive. A varied diet also helps you maintain satiety. A meal that features a variety of macronutrients gives you better, longer lasting energy. Be sure to select the healthiest foods within each macronutrient. Seeds, fish, and lean meats are excellent sources of protein. You can get healthy fats by eating nuts, nut butters, dairy, and avocados. For healthy carbohydrates, fill your diet with as many different fruits and vegetables as you can.
Drink More Water
Americans love their fizzy, sugary, sweetened beverages. However, training yourself to drink water and other healthy beverages is one of the best things you can do for your health. Drinking more water can aid in weight loss, regulate your mood, boost your energy, improve your skin, and promote healthy kidney function.
Fixing your diet is the number one thing you can do to improve your health. Change can be hard, but if you push through the first few weeks, your tastes will change. Soon, you will wonder how you ever ate any other way.
Check out this article on how to build strong bones with a healthier diet!
